£90,000 National Lottery funding will allow South Tyneside ethnic minority women's charity to keep 'ray of hope' shining

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Thanks to the National Lottery funding boost, the South Shields Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) women’s centre will be able to pursue a new initiative working with BAME carers and those receiving care in the area.

The cheque presentation took place at the charity’s Ocean Road office at around midday on Wednesday, May 19.

South Tyneside Council leader Tracey Dixon attended the event, along with representatives from the National Lottery Community Fund.

The Apna Ghar Minority Ethnic Women’s Centre, in Ocean Road, South Shields, received a cheque for £91, 962 from the National Lottery Community Fund.
Pictured presenting the cheque is Catherine Stocks (2nd left) to Apna Ghar chair Shobha Srivasyava (3rd from left) with Susan Stevenson Apna Ghar Project Co-ordinator (left) and Tracey Dixon Leader South Tyneside Council (right). — The Apna Ghar Minority Ethnic Women’s Centre, in Ocean Road, South Shields, received a cheque for £91, 962 from the National Lottery Community Fund. Pictured presenting the cheque is Catherine Stocks (2nd left) to Apna Ghar chair Shobha Srivasyava (3rd from left) with Susan Stevenson Apna Ghar Project Co-ordinator (left) and Tracey Dixon Leader South Tyneside Council (right).

“We’re proud to be funding Apna Ghar’s fantastic work, helping to reduce loneliness and isolation among local women in South Shields from ethnic minority backgrounds,” said Duncan Nicholson, Head of Funding for the North East and Cumbria at the National Lottery Community Fund.

"Thanks to National Lottery players, these carers, and those they care for, will be better able to access the vital support, information, and advice they require, tailored to their cultural identities and needs.”

Community leaders praised the work done by the centre and by the BAME carers it seeks to support through the scheme.

South Shields MP, Emma Lewell-Buck, was not able to attend the cheque presentation, but offered words of support for the carers project.

"I am sorry not to be with you as you celebrate this amazing funding award from the National Lottery today,” she said.

"The work that is done by unpaid carers in our local BAME communities most often goes unseen and unheard, yet it is a critical part of a wider system that supports our vulnerable residents.

"This exciting new project at Apna Ghar will ensure that someone is always there for those local carers, that their own needs are identified, that isolation can be avoided and that bespoke support and training can be offered to new and future carers.

"Asha Ki Karan really will give that 'Ray of Hope' to so many people who have cared even more for their loved ones and friends through this terrible pandemic. Thank you to the National Lottery for your continued support in South Shields - it makes a huge difference.

“I send my love and best wishes to you all today and I hope to be able to meet with you again very soon."

South Shields pubs, cafes and restaurants welcome customers indoors for first ti...

£90,000 National Lottery funding will allow South Tyneside ethnic minority women's charity to keep 'ray of hope' shining

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